Very good (87/100)
Scores better than 78% of all shoes.
Our ratings use detailed reviews from knowledgeable runners, ratings for shoes in the same product line, and reliable product information from trusted retailers.
Rankings combine runner ratings, whether reviewers say they'd buy a shoe again, direct comparisons to other shoes, related product-line performance, and trusted external ratings.
The darker band shows the central rating range. The lighter band shows a wider range of reasonable outcomes. More reviews for this shoe usually narrow both bands.
Overall
Very good (87/100)
Overall rating
We estimate how this shoe ranks by combining runner ratings, whether reviewers say they'd buy a shoe again, and direct comparisons to other shoes they've run in. We also consider related product-line performance and trusted external ratings. More review data helps narrow the likely rating range.
Better Shoes Rating
Very good (87/100)
Compared To Other Shoes
Scores better than 78% of shoes
Compared with all shoes
The shaded band shows the rating range we think is most likely.
Exceptional (96/100)
Durability rating
We estimate how this shoe ranks by combining runner ratings, whether reviewers say they'd buy a shoe again, and direct comparisons to other shoes they've run in. We also consider related product-line performance and trusted external ratings. More review data helps narrow the likely rating range.
Better Shoes Rating
Exceptional (96/100)
Compared To Other Shoes
Scores better than 95% of shoes
Compared with all shoes
The shaded band shows the rating range we think is most likely.
Excellent (91/100)
Cushioning rating
We estimate how this shoe ranks by combining runner ratings, whether reviewers say they'd buy a shoe again, and direct comparisons to other shoes they've run in. We also consider related product-line performance and trusted external ratings. More review data helps narrow the likely rating range.
Better Shoes Rating
Excellent (91/100)
Compared To Other Shoes
Scores better than 89% of shoes
Compared with all shoes
The shaded band shows the rating range we think is most likely.
Very good (89/100)
Comfort rating
We estimate how this shoe ranks by combining runner ratings, whether reviewers say they'd buy a shoe again, and direct comparisons to other shoes they've run in. We also consider related product-line performance and trusted external ratings. More review data helps narrow the likely rating range.
Better Shoes Rating
Very good (89/100)
Compared To Other Shoes
Scores better than 86% of shoes
Compared with all shoes
The shaded band shows the rating range we think is most likely.
Very good (86/100)
Value rating
We estimate how this shoe ranks by combining runner ratings, whether reviewers say they'd buy a shoe again, and direct comparisons to other shoes they've run in. We also consider related product-line performance and trusted external ratings. More review data helps narrow the likely rating range.
Better Shoes Rating
Very good (86/100)
Compared To Other Shoes
Scores better than 80% of shoes
Compared with all shoes
The shaded band shows the rating range we think is most likely.
Very good (81/100)
Appearance rating
We estimate how this shoe ranks by combining runner ratings, whether reviewers say they'd buy a shoe again, and direct comparisons to other shoes they've run in. We also consider related product-line performance and trusted external ratings. More review data helps narrow the likely rating range.
Better Shoes Rating
Very good (81/100)
Compared To Other Shoes
Scores better than 66% of shoes
Compared with all shoes
The shaded band shows the rating range we think is most likely.
25%
2/8
Prefer this shoe over another.
Reviewers said this shoe was better than another shoe they ran in.
All Running Shoes
Scores better than 78% of 2,617 running shoes.
Very good
Daily Trainers
Scores better than 77% of 1,872 daily trainers.
77%
Wave Rider Family
Scores better than 50% of 10 wave rider family.
50%
Mizuno
Scores better than 70% of 105 Mizuno shoes.
70%
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17 reader ratings
Showing 1–5 of 8 written reviews
Anonymous runner · Jun 15, 2024
5/5
Overall
I have run the Wave Rider since 2006. It is solid and consistent, but has generally improved over time. the Newer style upper (at least the 26 and the 27) is far superior. The midsole seems to last longer with improved impact absorption for longer. The outer sole also seems to wear better, particularly as it has increased in thickness and coverage over the years.
ShoeTubersHaveNoEthics · Mar 9, 2024
5/5
Overall
Really helped me get over an arch issue. Very durable. And mildly stable.
schlies14 · Feb 3, 2024
4/5
Overall
The daily trainer space has gotten a little crazy; $200 and 40+ mm of stack height is starting to look normal now that we’ve gotten used to super shoes. As fun and propulsive as shoes like this are, it is refreshing to return to a classic daily trainer, especially one that has seen all the benefits of many years of refinement.
This is my first Mizuno shoe ever. After 50 miles of running, the simplest way I can describe it is to imagine your favorite year of the Pegasus and the qualities that made it work so well: out of the box comfortable, flexible, and the perfect combination of cushioning and pop to cover everything from easy runs to more sporty paces.
Keep a classic daily trainer in your rotation. This Mizuno is right up there with the very best classics you’ll come across.
Anonymous runner · Dec 7, 2023
4/5
Overall
In high school I dabbled with a few different brands and models and dealt with random injuries. Finally landed on the mizuno wave riders and haven’t had any significant injuries in 14 years now. Not the sexiest shoe, but works great for me. I like that it’s been around awhile so I can find older models for sale online for lower prices.
APJR · Nov 30, 2023
5/5
Overall
A perfect daily trainer all around. Optimal combination of cushioning, stability, flexibility, and ground feel. Just fun and easy to log miles in, even for 20+ mile ling runs. Not the ideal workout shoe, but can easily pick up the pace on longer tempo runs. Incredibly well made, sharp looking, and durable. I’m always excited to take them out
